Plans Move Forward with 50th Anniversary of Selma to Montgomery March
The Black Chamber of Commerce met Thursday to discuss plans for the 50th celebration of the Selma to Montgomery March.
It’s a part of history that changed the political landscape of the country.
And now, 50 years later, the world will be watching once again as we remember the Selma to Montgomery March.
Businessman Greg Calhoun remembers marching with the protesters at 12 years old.
“So for me to be a part of something so united to come from 50 years later to being in business 30 years on my own, I don’t think it would happen without the march,” said Calhoun.
Because of the march and Congress passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, blacks were then able to vote.
“As a result of blacks becoming registered voters, we got elected to the state legislature,” said Event Chairman and State Rep. Alvin Holmes. “That is the reason all of us are standing here today because so many blacks got registered to vote.”
But Holmes says it’s not just about the black community coming together.
It’s a time for everyone to participate.
“The 50th anniversary is not a black affair… It’s an American affair,” said Holmes.
They are expecting people from all different countries to come to the capital city to mark the special event.
“This is history that probably we won’t see in our generation again, so a lot of people want to be live involved like I wanted to be live involved when I was 12 years old. You going to have people from all over the world coming in here. So I think we need to open all the doors and show what kind of friendly relationship we have not just a one sided relationship,” said Calhoun.
And they encourage everyone to participate and get ready.
“The whole world will be looking and this is the time Montgomery needs to be at its best,” said Businessman Alfred Seawright.
The MIA, which stands for Montgomery Improvement Association, is in charge of the event.
Presidents Carter, Clinton, Bush, and Obama are expected to attend.
The March will take place March 5-8, 2015.
